Installing Windows 2000 on a multiprocessor system with a vendor-supplied custom HAL: The customized Hardware Abstraction Layer is provided on a floppy disk. At what point and how should you install the custom HAL?

Introduction / Context:
The Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) is foundational to how Windows interfaces with CPUs, APICs, and chipset features. On multiprocessor systems with special requirements, vendors may supply a tailored HAL. Windows 2000 permits specifying this during Setup to ensure the correct kernel/ACPI/interrupt model is used from the outset.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Multiprocessor hardware with a vendor-supplied HAL on floppy.
• Fresh Windows 2000 installation.
• Need to ensure the correct HAL is in place at install time.

Concept / Approach:
The correct time to specify or override HAL selection is during the text-mode portion of Setup. This phase allows manual selection and loading of the computer type/HAL from external media so the remainder of Setup uses the appropriate kernel interfaces. Post-install hot-swapping the HAL is unsupported and unsafe.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Begin Windows 2000 text-mode Setup.At the prompt to specify special drivers/computer type, supply the vendor's HAL from the floppy.Confirm Setup recognizes the custom HAL and proceeds with correct multiprocessor/ACPI model.Complete GUI-mode Setup.

Verification / Alternative check:
After installation, verify in Device Manager → Computer node which HAL is in use (e.g., ACPI Multiprocessor PC) and that all CPUs are recognized in Task Manager/Performance.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Copying or replacing the HAL after text-mode: Risky and not supported; the kernel and HAL are chosen early.

Emergency Repair: Intended for fixing damaged installs, not swapping HALs.

Device Manager: HAL is not a PnP-swappable component.

None of the above: Incorrect because text-mode Setup is the right time.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing storage driver injection (also in text-mode) with later driver updates; both must occur early for boot-critical components.

Final Answer:
Install the customized HAL during the text-mode portion of Windows 2000 Setup